Evaluation: The Reykjavik EDITION Resort (Iceland)

August 7, 2025

1704

Wednesday newsletters at all times function a lodge or flight assessment.

I just lately loved my first cruise vacation—a wonderful journey round Iceland and the Faroe Islands aboard the Seabourn Enterprise, the world’s most luxurious expedition cruise ship. I’ll publish my journey experiences over the approaching weeks:

Evaluation: The Reykjavik EDITION (at this time)
Evaluation: Seabourn Enterprise
Evaluation: Extremely-luxury cruise round Iceland
Evaluation: Resort Hafnia (Faroe Islands)
Evaluation: Resort Brandan (Faroe Islands)
Evaluation: Manon Les Suites Resort, Copenhagen (Denmark)

Evaluation of The Reykjavik EDITION Resort (Iceland)

Positioned on the scenic Previous Harbour and simply steps from the putting glass facade of Harpa Live performance Corridor, The Reykjavik EDITION is Iceland’s most trendy and opulent metropolis lodge. Designed by hospitality visionary Ian Schrager in partnership with Marriott Worldwide, this smooth five-star property masterfully blends cosmopolitan sophistication with delicate Icelandic character. The 253 rooms and suites function heat oak flooring, domestically sourced volcanic stone, Icelandic wool blankets, and panoramic views of Mount Esja, Faxaflói Bay, or town skyline. Facilities embody a world-class spa with a hammam and hydrotherapy pool, a vibrant rooftop bar with panoramic views, and a number of eating venues—most notably Tides, the signature restaurant helmed by Michelin-starred chef Gunnar Karl Gíslason, showcasing seasonal Nordic delicacies. With its unbeatable location, discreet service, and effortlessly stylish ambiance, The Reykjavik EDITION is the best base for exploring Reykjavik’s artwork, meals, and nightlife.

The Reykjavik EDITION options in my high 10 checklist of the finest luxurious accommodations in Iceland.

Have you ever ever stayed at The Reykjavik EDITION Resort? If that’s the case, what was your expertise? Depart a remark.

On this assessment (extra information and pictures beneath my YouTube video):

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

Perched on the harborside, towards metropolis and mountains views, The Reykjavik EDITION enjoys the finest location on the town. The lodge is located proper subsequent to Harpa Live performance Corridor and Convention Middle, certainly one of Reykjavik’s most celebrated landmarks. Harpa’s putting multicolored glass façade, designed by the famend Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson, provides a dynamic splash of artistry to the harborfront and hosts a vibrant program of concert events, cultural occasions, and worldwide conferences year-round. Staying right here means you’re simply steps away from Reykjavik’s cultural pulse. As well as, The Version Reykjavik is simply minutes from Laugavegur, town’s major procuring avenue. This energetic thoroughfare is dwelling to a wide range of upscale boutiques, charming cafes, and modern eating places, providing an ideal mix of native Icelandic crafts and worldwide manufacturers. Whether or not you wish to discover Reykjavik’s wealthy cultural scene, bask in luxurious procuring, or savor its famend culinary delights, every part is conveniently shut by. This unbeatable location makes The Version Reykjavik a really perfect base for immersing your self within the metropolis’s distinctive ambiance whereas having fun with fast entry to pure wonders past the city core.

Designed in partnership with native structure agency, T.ark and New York-based studio, Roman and Williams with steering of ISC (Ian Schrager Firm) design, The Reykjavik EDITION subtly captures the spirit of Reykjavik. From the surface, The Reykjavik EDITION is a daring and putting addition to Reykjavik’s downtown neighborhood. Its ebony façade is crafted from shou sugi ban timber, a centuries-old Japanese approach the place wooden is charred to realize a deep black end, evoking the uncooked, volcanic lava fields that outline Iceland’s dramatic panorama. Complementing the charred timber, blackened metal window frames add a rugged but refined edge, reinforcing the lodge’s connection to Iceland’s pure parts. The constructing’s easy, clear traces are fastidiously angled to maximise views of the energetic harbor and metropolis past. Its double-entrance foyer is accessible each from the pedestrian-friendly Harpa plaza and the harbor facet, making a grand sense of arrival. The harbor entrance, paying homage to The Instances Sq. EDITION, encompasses a beautiful cover illuminated by 12,210 glass LED nodes, providing visitors a contemporary and theatrical welcome that blends artwork and know-how seamlessly.

Inside, The Reykjavik EDITION completely blends minimalist design with heat, welcoming touches. Mild oak wooden paneling, textured wool materials, and stone accents evoke Iceland’s volcanic panorama, making a pure but refined ambiance. Considerate lighting enhances the ambiance, highlighting the class of the interiors whereas native paintings and handcrafted furnishings infuse every area with genuine Icelandic character. The foyer is the place this design imaginative and prescient really shines. Basalt stone—volcanic rock native to Iceland—options prominently on the ground, specified by an intricate sample impressed by Icelandic geometry. On the coronary heart of the foyer, a central open-flame fire creates a comfy gathering spot surrounded by intimate seating preparations. Customized furnishings consists of Jean-Michel Frank-inspired armchairs upholstered in white shearling and black velvet chairs influenced by Pierre Jeanneret, including layers of texture and luxury. Heat, oblique lighting bathes the area in a tender glow, fastidiously illuminating key fixtures just like the bar and reception desk. Christian Liaigre white bronze flooring lamps contribute to an environment paying homage to a fragile jewellery field, elevating your complete area with delicate class.

Inside, The Reykjavik EDITION blends minimalist design with heat, welcoming touches. Mild oak wooden paneling, textured wool materials, and stone accents evoke Iceland’s volcanic panorama, making a pure but refined ambiance. Considerate lighting enhances the ambiance, highlighting the class of the interiors whereas native paintings and handcrafted furnishings infuse every area with genuine Icelandic character. The foyer is the place this design imaginative and prescient really shines. Basalt stone—volcanic rock native to Iceland—options prominently on the ground, specified by an intricate sample impressed by Icelandic geometry. On the coronary heart of the foyer, a central open-flame fire creates a comfy gathering spot surrounded by intimate seating preparations. Customized furnishings consists of Jean-Michel Frank-inspired armchairs upholstered in white shearling and black velvet chairs influenced by Pierre Jeanneret, including layers of texture and luxury. Heat, oblique lighting bathes the area in a tender glow, illuminating key fixtures just like the bar and reception desk. Christian Liaigre white bronze flooring lamps contribute to an environment paying homage to a fragile jewellery field, elevating your complete area with delicate class.

Simply contained in the foyer entrance of The Reykjavik EDITION, ISC collaborated with native artisans to craft a putting totem sculpture produced from stacked, columnar basalt slate sourced from southern Iceland. Almost 4 meters (13 toes) tall, this spectacular piece attracts inspiration from conventional Icelandic cairns—rock landmarks that information vacationers throughout the countryside. Dramatically illuminated by a mixture of electrical and candlelight, the totem sits atop a basalt bench draped with plush black sheepskins, damask, and silk pillows, creating a comfy and classy gathering spot on the coronary heart of the foyer. Adjoining to the totem is a putting digital set up impressed by the aurora borealis, or Northern Lights. ISC has expertly video-mapped this pure marvel, presenting an immersive, three-dimensional show of inexperienced and purple waves that dance throughout the area. This charming paintings brings the magic of Iceland’s night time sky indoors, evoking the identical awe and emotion—however within the heat, intimate setting of the foyer’s fire space. It’s a stunning design contact that the lodge likes to name “Northern Lights on Demand.”

The Reykjavik EDITION’s 253 spacious guestrooms and suites are thoughtfully designed, with beds positioned to face expansive floor-to-ceiling home windows. Some rooms, situated on the constructing’s outer facet, supply pretty views of the harbor or the long-lasting Harpa Live performance Corridor, whereas others overlook the serene lodge courtyard, offering a peaceable city oasis. Some rooms embody non-public out of doors terraces that provide direct entry to recent air and views of the encompassing cityscape. True to the EDITION model’s signature model, the interiors mix fashionable luxurious with delicate native touches. A soothing palette of ash wooden and pale gray oak types a heat basis, accented by a putting function wall of formwork concrete. Italian custom-made furnishings, copper mattress gentle sconces, and plush fake fur rugs add layers of texture and luxury. Distinctive paintings and equipment from Icelandic artisans convey an genuine native aptitude—equivalent to colourful wool throws by Ístex, delicate ceramics by Guðbjörg Káradóttir, and unique panorama artwork from famend photographers Pall Stefansson and Ragnar Axelsson. Bogs proceed the elegant simplicity with monochrome tones, that includes custom-made white ceramic tiles crafted in Italy, white marble vanities, and matte black fixtures.

Throughout my stat at The Reykjavik EDITION, I used to be upgraded to a stunning deluxe suite on the lodge’s first flooring. The expansive and complex retreat featured a separate front room (excellent for enjoyable or entertaining) and a spacious bed room with its personal cozy sitting nook (making a serene area to unwind). The 2-room toilet elevated the posh expertise with a thoughtfully designed structure that included a dry space with two wash basins and a separate moist space, full with a big rain bathe and a deep soaking bathtub. Complimentary bespoke Le Labo toiletries, infused with EDITION’s unique scent, had been offered and added a last contact of luxurious. Flooring-to-ceiling home windows within the dwelling space and the bed room offered nice views of the long-lasting Harpa Live performance Corridor, whereas blackout curtains guarantee full privateness at any time when desired. Fashionable know-how, together with sensible lighting, USB charging ports, and high-speed Wi-Fi, ensured each consolation and comfort. Each element within the suite blended fashionable class with delicate Icelandic influences, guaranteeing a trendy and restful keep.

The lodge’s signature restaurant, Tides, helmed by Michelin-starred chef Gunnar Karl Gíslason of Dill fame, is a vacation spot in itself. Positioned on the bottom flooring with an outside terrace and its personal waterfront entrance, Tides presents a complicated but inviting eating expertise. The interiors mix industrial concrete columns with heat oiled ash wooden, punctuated by a dramatic bronze and alabaster chandelier by French artist Eric Schmitt. Giant floor-to-ceiling home windows bathe the area in pure gentle by day and create an intimate glow by night time. The menu celebrates Iceland’s bounty with fashionable twists on conventional cooking strategies. Count on dishes like salads topped with fried oyster mushrooms, Arctic char full of lemon and dill butter, baked Atlantic cod, and slow-grilled lamb shoulder with mint and pickled apples. Dessert specialties embody the decadent carrot cake with buttermilk ice cream and sea buckthorn jam. Tides additionally presents a recent, wholesome breakfast unfold with juices, pastries, skyr (Icelandic yogurt), and an à la carte menu. For informal bites, the adjoining bakery and café serve recent espresso, crowberry scones, and sourdough or rye bread sandwiches, excellent for takeaway or relaxed eating.

The Reykjavik EDITION options two bars providing distinct experiences and settings.
- Positioned throughout the foyer space, Tölt is called after the distinctive fifth gait attribute of Icelandic horses. The bar is designed as a secluded area with three intimate nooks, every furnished with colourful {custom} rugs impressed by conventional Icelandic geometric patterns, teak tambour partitions, burnt orange banquettes, and pony hair poufs organized round a central fire. The world is completed with walnut ceiling panels and flooring, complemented by a {custom} walnut chandelier. Flooring-to-ceiling home windows present views of the close by Harpa Live performance Corridor. Behind the inexperienced marble-topped bar, backlit aged bronze cabinets supply ambient lighting. The cocktail menu focuses on Icelandic tradition, that includes drinks made with native spirits.
- The Roof Bar is located on the lodge’s seventh flooring and gives panoramic views of the encompassing mountains, the harbor, and Reykjavik’s historic outdated city. The area consists of floor-to-ceiling glass doorways that open onto a big wrap-around rooftop terrace geared up with seating and a fireplace pit. The inside options all-black finishes designed to emphasise the views. The area will be divided by a glass door to accommodate non-public occasions. The meals menu presents consolation dishes equivalent to grilled flatbreads, toasted sandwiches, and recent salads, designed to enrich the drinks whereas having fun with the scenic environment.

The Reykjavik EDITION’s amenities elevate the visitor expertise with a small wellness and health middle, situated on the lodge’s decrease floor flooring. The tranquil and intimate spa serves as a sanctuary for rest, that includes a standard hammam impressed by historical cleaning rituals, together with three remedy rooms, a steam room, sauna, and a hydrotherapy plunge pool. The spa menu consists of deep tissue massages, rejuvenating facials, and physique scrubs infused with pure Icelandic elements equivalent to lava clay and Arctic berries. A central lounge with a spa bar enhances the expertise, serving recent, wholesome choices like post-workout Viking shakes, champagnes, moss vodka infusions, and snacks like volcano bread with black lava salt—excellent to get pleasure from alongside the geothermal water splash pool. Proper subsequent to the spa is the lodge’s state-of-the-art health middle, a room which is provided with cardio machines, free weights, and devoted areas for stretching and yoga.

The Reykjavik EDITION Resort is managed by EDITION Inns, a luxurious life-style model developed by visionary hotelier Ian Schrager—co-founder of Studio 54 and broadly thought to be a pioneer of the boutique lodge motion. Created in collaboration with Marriott Worldwide, EDITION was launched in 2010 to redefine luxurious hospitality by mixing the intimacy and individuality of a boutique lodge with the consistency and world attain of a significant lodge group. Every EDITION property is uniquely designed to replicate the spirit of its location, whereas embodying the model’s signature ethos: refined minimalism, refined consolation, and a robust sense of place. With a give attention to {custom} design, curated artwork and lighting, heat pure supplies, and atmospheric social areas, EDITION accommodations are recognized for creating timeless environments which are each luxurious and welcoming. The model has expanded to among the world’s most dynamic locations, together with New York, London, Miami Seashore, Tokyo, Barcelona, and Dubai. The Reykjavik EDITION completely exemplifies this philosophy, combining up to date Icelandic influences with Schrager’s unmistakable design sensibility.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

The Reykjavik EDITION is priced on the very high of Reykjavik’s lodge market, with nightly charges that may simply exceed $750 USD throughout excessive season. Whereas this would possibly really feel extreme at first look, it’s necessary to notice that Iceland as a vacation spot is understood for its excessive price of dwelling and tourism. In that context, the room charges are comparatively consistent with the nation’s broader luxurious choices. Nevertheless, vacationers who’re used to five-star accommodations in main world cities could discover the general worth—contemplating room measurement, facilities, and repair—feels extra boutique than ultra-luxury. Reserving throughout shoulder seasons or utilizing loyalty factors will help enhance the worth proposition.

The Reykjavik EDITION’s spa is elegantly designed and gives a soothing surroundings, nevertheless it’s value noting that the spa amenities are fairly compact. With only one thermal plunge pool, a small sauna, and a steam room, it doesn’t supply the dimensions of wellness facilities discovered at some worldwide five-star properties. The spa doesn’t have a pool on-site for lodge visitors and there are not any expansive rest areas. That mentioned, what’s out there is effectively maintained and deliberately minimalist, becoming with the EDITION model’s aesthetic. For visitors searching for a short unwind after an extended day of sightseeing, it’s greater than enough—however vacationers in search of a vacation spot spa expertise could also be left wanting extra.

Whereas the rooms at The Reykjavik EDITION are well-appointed, some visitors could discover the entry-level room classes smaller than anticipated for a luxurious lodge. Space for storing is restricted, and practical options like correct work desks, baggage racks, or extra seating will not be at all times included until reserving into higher-tier suites. Nevertheless, visitors who go for upgraded room varieties typically report a noticeably extra snug and spacious expertise, with added facilities that higher align with five-star expectations. For these planning an extended keep or touring as a pair, it could be value contemplating a set or deluxe class to completely benefit from the property’s premium choices.

The lodge’s inside design is visually spectacular, with high-end supplies and a contemporary Nordic look that pictures superbly. Nevertheless, some vacationers could discover that the design of The Reykjavik EDITION sometimes prioritizes aesthetics over practicality. Examples embody ultra-low beds, curtains instead of closet doorways, and temper lighting that, whereas atmospheric, can really feel too dim for duties like studying or unpacking. That mentioned, many visitors recognize the distinctive character and classy ambiance the design brings—particularly these searching for a boutique, design-forward expertise. Finally, consolation is subjective, and vacationers who get pleasure from a up to date, editorial-style setting are prone to really feel proper at dwelling.

A vacation spot price—at the moment 7,000 ISK—is added to the invoice, which incorporates entry to the spa (usually round $30 USD), a welcome drink, and a eating credit score that can be utilized for lunch or dinner, basically offsetting the price itself. Whereas some visitors could discover this cost sudden, particularly at a property that already instructions premium nightly charges, others recognize the added worth and adaptability it gives. For vacationers who plan to make the most of the included facilities, the price could be a handy strategy to improve their keep with out extra out-of-pocket prices. Clearer communication at reserving and check-in may assist guarantee it feels extra like a profit than a shock.

MY VERDICT

Location: 9/10
Design: 8/10
Pool: N/A
Rooms: 8/10
Meals: 8/10
Breakfast: 8/10
Spa: 8/10
Service: 8/10
Wow issue: 8/10
Worth for cash: 8/10
Total expertise: excellent – 8/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when reserving The Reykjavik EDITION Resort by means of Virtuoso (e.g. room improve, each day breakfast, early check-in, late check-out and $100 USD meals & beverage credit score).

Lower your expenses: learn right here my suggestions for getting the most effective deal at a luxurious lodge like The Reykjavik EDITION Resort (and/or obtain many free perks).

Lower your expenses: Marriott Bonvoy elite members are effectively handled right here, with – amongst different advantages – free WiFi, a room improve (when out there), early check-in or late check-out (when out there), and complementary breakfast (for high tier members). Learn right here my assessment of Marriott Bonvoy.

Learn my suggestions for getting ready your journey in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

One of the best time to go to Reykjavík will depend on what you wish to expertise. For gentle climate and lengthy daylight, late Might to early September is good, with temperatures averaging 10°C to fifteen°C (50°F to 59°F) and practically 24 hours of daylight in June. This season is ideal for out of doors actions and sightseeing. If you wish to see the northern lights, go to between October and March, when nights are lengthy and temperatures vary from –1°C to three°C (30°F to 37°F). Winter presents snowy landscapes and comfortable atmospheres however shorter sunlight hours. Shoulder seasons in April, Might, and September present fewer crowds, reasonable temperatures, and an opportunity to catch the aurora with temperatures between 3°C and 11°C (37°F to 52°F).

HOW TO GET THERE

The Reykjavik EDITION is situated at Austurbakki 2, within the coronary heart of downtown Reykjavík, proper subsequent to the Harpa Live performance Corridor and the Previous Harbor. The simplest strategy to attain the lodge from Keflavík Worldwide Airport (KEF) is by airport shuttle, equivalent to Flybus or Airport Direct, which takes about 45 to 60 minutes and presents lodge drop-off service. Taxis are additionally out there straight exterior the airport and supply a quicker, extra non-public possibility, although they’re considerably costlier, with fares sometimes starting from 20,000 to 25,000 ISK (round $140 to $180 USD). For vacationers planning to discover past town, renting a automotive on the airport is a handy possibility, and the lodge presents valet parking. The drive from the airport to the lodge takes about 45 minutes by way of Route 41.

PHOTOS

Right here’s a collection of my pictures of The Reykjavik EDITION Resort. To view extra pictures (together with pictures of breakfast and dinner), click on right here.